A TOWN NAME IS BORN
We find the name Belvidere first used in 1791 by Major Hoops in a letter. It was written to Richard Backhouse, Esquire, Durham, and reads as follows:
Dear Sir:
The day you left me in the afternoon with seven hands I made a beginning and compleated Passage through the little foul Rift fit for a Boat to pass with 100 or 150 Bushels without touching; and was it not for the three points where the Hatchet was raised against me I should be perfectly easy-but industry and perseverance will, I hope, overcome all difficulties. I have desired the Bearer, my Negro Boy Jack, to return to me as speedily as you can dismis Him, as no time must be lost. I shall get some hands at work tomorrow before I set out for your House and wish as little detention as possible, as I am determined to return again on the same evening, having engaged some more hands for Tuesday Morning. I am with best Wishes, Dear Sir,
your Most obdt.,
Humble Servt.,
ROBT. HOOPS.
Belvidere, Sunday,
8th August, 1791.